Emergency Water Basics

Emergency Water Basics

Water is arguably the most valuable item you should have stored in case of emergency. Having enough safe drinking water to last you through an emergency is crucial to your survival. Depending on the type of emergency you may find yourself in, your water preparations will vary. Experts agree, having a stockpile of 1 gallon per day, per person for a minimum of 3 days is a good place to start. When in doubt, More is Better.

Water Storage Containers

Here are 6 ideas on containers for water storage.
1. New, unopened bottled water.
2. Refilled water bottles.
3. Spigot style water jugs.
4. 5 gallon buckets with lids.
5. Large food safe drums.
6. Large underground holding tanks.

If you have a interesting way of storing your water, comment below and let us know.

Long Term Storage Rules

When storing water for extended periods of time, there are 4 rules you must keep in mind.

1. Store water in a closed container.

Water stored uncovered is left susceptible to evaporation and contamination. The majority of the water stored uncovered will normally evaporate in to the air, what remains collects and grows bacteria and algae from the air in the environment. 

2. Store water in a cool dark place.

Water stored at high temperatures can cause chemicals to leech from the containers they are stored in. Water stored in cold temperatures can freeze and cause damage to the storage container. water exposed to the light can allow algae to grow and taint your supply.

3. Rotate your stock when possible.

While water does not go bad, water stored for an extended period of time can go stagnant. Rotate your stock when possible to avoid stagnation. It is recommended to swap out your supply every 6 months or so. However there is a way to store water indefinitely, see rule 4 to find out how.

4. Treat - Store - Retreat 

The best practice for storing water long term is to Treat - Store - Retreat. To store tap water that you have obtained either from well or city municipal supply you need only Treat the water by Boiling, Filtering, or Chemically Treating. After treatment, bottle the treated water and seal it up tightly. When using water from tanks stored for extended periods of time, treat the water again by either Boiling, Filtering, or Chemically Treating before using. 

Professionally bottled water is treated at the factory and bottled under clean conditions. When kept properly, water from new unopened water bottles will keep almost indefinitely. Although water properly stored long term can be treated to make it safe again, it may not taste all that fresh. This can be remedied by aerating the water after it has been opened. Pouring the water back and fourth between two cups several times over will usually do the trick. 

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